Double overtime battle results in scoreless draw at Friends
WICHITA, Kan. – For the third time in the season’s first six games, the Concordia University men’s soccer team played a double overtime game. Neither the Bulldogs nor host Friends University could muster a goal in 110 minutes of action in Saturday’s contest held in Wichita, Kan.
Seventh-year head coach Jason Weides’ squad moved to 2-3-1 on the season following an encouraging weekend that included a blowout win at Sterling College on Friday.
Ten days after upsetting No. 5 Oklahoma Wesleyan University, the Falcons (2-1-1) needed several nifty saves from goalkeeper Jack Matthews to keep the Bulldogs from stealing a win on the road.
“Their keeper made some outstanding saves throughout the game,” Weides said. “Credit to him. He kept them in it. We were really knocking on the door. After the first 25 minutes or so, we asserted ourselves. It’s frustrating knowing we were that close to getting the result, but I’m proud of how well our guys played.”
Matthews rejected a penalty kick in the first overtime and came up with 10 saves on the afternoon. He came under fire considerably more than Concordia senior goalkeeper Brendan Buchanan, who had to make six saves to keep Friends off the scoreboard.
The Bulldogs finished with 17 shots (10 on goal) to Friends’ 13 (six on goal). Individually, freshman Toby Down had the most cracks at it for Concordia. He took five shots, including three that were placed on frame.
“We definitely had our opportunities,” Weides said. “It was still an encouraging weekend overall. If we were tying or losing games and not creating those chances, then I’d be more worried. We’re getting real close.”
Lucas Coelho was most active on the attack for Friends. He entered the contest with three goals over the team’s first three games. On Saturday he fired eight shots – five on goal.
Weides mentioned Marcos Leon, a sophomore defender from Sonora, Mexico, as someone who provided steady minutes off the bench. Leon helped a collective effort that out-shot Friends 14-6 over the final 65 minutes of play.
Saturday’s game proved much different than the meeting last season between the two squads. Friends invaded Bulldog Stadium and walked away 3-0 winners on the exact same date one year ago.
The Bulldogs have a mid-week bye before returning to action next Saturday (Sept. 20) to play Mount Marty College (1-2) in Yankton, S.D. Last season Concordia dominated the Lancers to the tune of a 5-0 score in a home win on Sept. 21.
